Smoking and Nicotine Dependence Research -- This section's research
has shown that a group of cells in the brain stem modulates the function
of dopamine-containing neurons in midbrain which are known to play an
important role in addiction to nicotine and other drugs. Improved understanding
of the neurochemical mechanisms of addictions, such as this finding, can
contribute to the development of new, selective pharmacotherapeutics to
treat tobacco smoking in the future.
Psychiatric Neurogenetics -- Dr. J. Kennedy's team published a
report in May of 1999 indicating that a gene in the cholecystoknin hormone
system contributes to panic disorder. Considerable international attention
to this finding arose in both the scientific and public domains.
Molecular Pharmacology -- The exciting development in this area
of research has been the discovery of the existence of GRCR dimers. Researchers
have demonstrated high molecular weight oligomeric dopamine D1, D2, D3,
opioid and serotonin 5HT1B receptors.
PET Centre -- The radiochemistry group has introduced the first
D1 agonist radioligand and the first tracer for the second messenger system
to be successfully used for PET imaging in humans.
Canadian Campus Survey -- The results of the first Canadian survey
of college students were released. Nearly 8,000 students from across Canada
responded to the survey, which focused on a variety of topics, including
alcohol and other drug use, alcohol problems and mental health. The study
was done in collaboration with researchers from the Université
de Montréal.
Women's Mental Health -- Research initiatives include: the development
of a body image group therapy manual for adolescents with eating problems,
gender role expectations and disordered eating in Jewish adolescent girls,
and the influence of post-assault events on victims of domestic violence.
Social Factors and Prevention Initiatives -- Funding was approved
by the Medical Research Council to study the drinking and driving histories
of clients who received treatment for substance abuse problems with alcohol,
cocaine and/or cannabis.
Ontario Tobacco Research Unit -- A major initiative this year is
the $1 million funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term
Care, to carry out a plan for enhanced surveillance, evaluation and research
under the renewed Ontario Tobacco Strategy.
Health Systems Research and Consulting -- A NARSAD funding project
-- the Impact of Personality Factors on Community Treatment Outcomes --
was initiated in July 1999. This research project will draw on samples
from Toronto and Ottawa and is a follow-up to a larger epidemiological
survey of homeless single adults in Toronto, undertaken by the Heath Systems
Research Unit from 1996-1997.
Molecular Neurobiology -- Alterations in receptor signaling are
believed to be a key mechanism underlying abnormal neurological activity
in various mental illnesses. In a publication in the journal Nature, a
team of researchers from Dr. Niznik's group discovered a new mechanism
whereby receptor signaling can regulate the synaptic strength of brain
cells. This provides a new model with which to study and understand receptor-linked
abnormalities in mental illness.
Pharmacogenetics -- Identification of a genetic alteration which
protects individuals from becoming tobacco-dependent.
A new multidisciplinary Therapeutic Neuroscience Research program
brings together clinical and neuro-scientists in a collaborative effort
with Eli Lilly to investigate and develop novel and more effective neurobiological
and psychological markers of psychiatric disorders for use in their diagnosis.
The PET Centre researchers are currently developing a novel PET
tracer, to study how antidepressant therapy causes chemical changes in
the brain.
We have initiated a multi-centre study investigating how to best intervene
with people experiencing very early indications of psychosis. This is
a partnership with Yale University, University of Carolina, Albert Einstein
School of Medicine and the University of Calgary.
|
1-800-463-6273
